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On April 29th I had the pleasure of attending the annual Superhero Soiree hosted by K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. The event took place at the Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank, New Jersey and raised funds that will be dedicated to the Pediatric Palliative Care Program at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital. The goal of the program is to add life to a child's years, not simply years to a child's life.

Citron and Dadzie pictured with John Lloyd, President & CEO, Meridian Health

This year's Superhero Soiree honored two local heroes. The honorees were Kyra Citron, director of the Kid's Corner at the Charles Lafitte Foundation who was awarded the Hometown Hero Award, and Dr. Charles Dadzie, pediatric pulmonologist at and one of the founding fathers of K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital who received the Hometown Physician Award.

This was my first year attending the event, and I couldn't have been more impressed with the level of commitment that so many members of our community have to providing quality and thoughtful care to children. The event raised $140,000 which is earmarked for providing care to children with life-threatening medical conditions and chronic illnesses and their families.

As the parent of a child with a chronic illness, I know how important it is to have a high level of care for these children. Caring for a child with a life-threatening and/or chronic medical condition takes a toll on the entire family and the child. This event raised funds and awareness for providing high-quality care for some of our smallest heroes.

Behind each of these fundraisers are true stories. Children in need of medical care, compassion, and hope. Children who have endured more in their short lives than many of us do in our entire lifetimes. They are brave beyond their years and are an inspiration.

I've spent several nights in K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital. The first time was an overnight stay for my daughter's broken arm. The second stay was longer and more intense. It was when she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. To be in a room full of people who are focused on doing good and raising money to make those hospital stays more comfortable for both the patients and the parents brought me to tears.

All photos appear courtesy of Meridian Health.

There are so many caring people in this community, and I was honored to be among many of them for this special event.